Skip to main content

This site is independent of the NHS and the Department of Health.

Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Mental Health
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
346-DDA-135-25-A
Employer
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Rowan Building
Town
Darlington
Salary
£47,810 - £54,710 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
07/11/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust logo

Clinical Specialist Nurse

NHS AfC: Band 7

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care —our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We’re committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Job overview

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist in Learning Disabilities to support and advocate for patients with a learning disability when in an acute hospital setting. The post holder will provide expert clinical advice, promote reasonable adjustments and work collaboratively with the Multi-Disciplinary Team to ensure high quality person cantered care for individuals with a learning disability.

The post will require the successful candidate to work across both Durham and Darlington Acute liaison psychiatry teams. 

In this role, you will offer clinical leadership support to colleagues, participate in service development, co-ordination of the assessment, treatment and management of older people accessing the service. The Clinical Specialist Nurse will offer advice and consultation regarding the management of the client group to colleagues within the team and other agencies, as necessary.

We are looking for someone who is highly motivation with a keen interest for continuing the improvement of our older persons care and treatment. We are proactive in developing and piloting new ways of working, taking in consideration the voices of our service users and their families to develop better ways of working. 

We will look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to work alongside the team in developing future ways of working. If you are looking for an opportunity to develop your skills, then this could be the job for you!

Main duties of the job

Providing direct support to patients with learning disabilities during their hospital stay, including assessments, developing care plans, and ensuring reasonable adjustments are identified and implemented in line with legal and professional standards.

Offering expert guidance and training to hospital staff on learning disabilities, including communication strategies, behaviour management, and understanding the specific needs of patients with learning disabilities. 

Acting as an advocate for patients, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected throughout their hospital journey. 

Working with various healthcare professionals to coordinate care and ensure a smooth transition between hospital and community services. 

Working to reduce health inequalities and promote the inclusion of people with learning disabilities in all aspects of hospital care. 

Considering the broader needs of patients, including emotional, social, and psychological well-being, in addition to physical health needs. 

Participating in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines related to learning disabilities in the acute hospital setting. 

Contributing to comprehensive risk assessments, particularly for individuals with complex needs, and ensuring appropriate measures are in place to minimize risks.

Working for our organisation

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education, prevention, crisis and specialist care, our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities, and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We are committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it. We won’t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be well supported and work within a friendly team with opportunities for continuing professional development.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.

 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Current Professional Registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council - RMN / RNLD/ RGN (RNSC - CAMHS Only)
  • Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor or currently in progress of achieving.
  • Trained in Clinical Supervision and providing Clinical Supervision or in the process of achieving
  • Postgraduate diploma in a subject relevant to the area Or be willing to work towards and achieve within 2 years and
  • Within the first year of being in post hold a recognised qualification in a governed therapy/advanced clinical qualification e.g Intermediate Systemic Family Therapy/Post Grad diploma in CBT/British Isles Dialectical Behaviour Therapy /NMP (Independent Prescriber)
  • And Have Equivalent clinical experience to that of a Post Grad Diploma/master’s level such as working as a band 6 (or above) in relevant clinical area with significant experience (see below under experience), together with evidence of relevant CPD

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Significant experience working with patients with complex needs in the specialist field.
  • Significant experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
  • Clinical risk assessment and management and its application in practice
  • Working collaboratively with service users their families and carers
  • Working in a multi-disciplinary team
  • Quality improvement activities

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Extensive knowledge of current issues relating to health needs of patients in the field of practice, regionally and nationally
  • Understanding and working knowledge of the legal framework and statutory obligations under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act
  • Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice.
  • Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice
  • Clinical Governance and its application in practice
  • Working knowledge of clinical medicines management
  • Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment (depending on specialist area)

Employer certification / accreditation badges

We are a Living Wage EmployerVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Mindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerStep into healthArmed Forces CovenantBetter Health at Work Gold Award

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Gemma Boycott
Job title
Team Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01325 736400
Additional information

 

 

Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies